EU PPWR - A timeline to packaging and packaging waste regulation

21 May 2026

Below is a simplified version of the timeline to showcase the key areas and when they come into effect:

What can we expect in 2026?

There are 4 key areas in 2026 that you must prepare for.

Declaration of Conformity

The declaration of conformity (DoC) is a legally binding document that explains; who you are as an economic operator, that the packaging type and components included within the declaration meet the requirements set out within the sub articles of the PPWR text and a signature to indicate ownership of the compliance.

The PPWR provides an outline of the requirements of a DoC in Annex VIII. We have converted these requirements into a DoC template as an example for members to use.

Please note that Ecosurety Limited accepts no legal responsibility or liability for the contents of this document. This template has been created purely as an example format and all responsibility for the accuracy of the information and compliance with applicable legislation rests solely with the manufacturer.

This template document is for reference only and users should always refer directly to the text within the PPWR and associated guidance from the European Commission.

You can download the example DoC template here.

Read more about the DoC requirement here.

Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC’s)

As of 12 August 2026, food contact packaging must comply with strict limits on PFA’s inclusion and heavy metals. Read more about this requirement here.

Packaging Minimisation

As of 12 August 2026, packaging may not contain elements that mislead the consumer as to the size or quantity of the product. Double Walls, False Bottoms, Unnecessary layers are all included within the ban unless they are protected by a design right that predates the 11 February 2025. Read more about this requirement here.

Compostability

Individual member states may require the following to be compostable; Non-permeable tea/coffee single serve system intended for machine use and disposed of with the product, very lightweight carrier bags, and packaging already mandated to be compostable by the individual member state. Read more about this requirement here.

What should I look out for in the long term?

Looking ahead to the future there are also several significant challenges that the regulation poses to industry.

Harmonised Labelling

The EU will release details of what harmonised labelling will look like in August 2026. However, what we do know is that local labels such as the Triman will be banned alongside the new format. Any new products must be adjusted for the deadline of August 2028, but product manufactured before this date has an additional 3 years of sell through time.

Recyclability Grading System

Much like the UK RAM system the EU will publish design for recycling guidance in 2028 that ranks packaging from A/B/C/D/E. The significant difference however is that the EU will ban packaging scoring a D/E grade in 2030 and then subsequently ban grade C from 2038.

Recycled Content

Bespoke to materials and formats there will be minimum thresholds for PCR inclusion introduced. You will also have to be able to provide evidence that the PCR itself is from a source that meets or exceeds the EU standards.

Material Format Bans

Single use grouped packaging, hotel toiletries designed for single use, single serve sachets within HORECA, packaging for fruit and vegetables under 1.5kg and other formats will be banned from 1Jan 2030. More detail on specific examples will be due in February 2027.

While this is a very complex space the overall mission and aim of the regulation is rooted in a strong purpose to reduce our collective impact and move to a more sustainable supply chain of the future.

What should you do now?

As a minimum, producers should take steps now to fully understand their packaging portfolio via robust data collection to provide the insights necessary to drive their packaging strategy.

This will put them in the best position to analyse the impacts of UK packaging EPR legislation and the upcoming EU PPWR on their business. Our packaging data analytics are a great place to start.

Any questions?

We are happy to support with bespoke advice and tailored services on the topic of PPWR so please reach out to your account manager for more information or contact the Ecosurety helpdesk.

External resources

• Regulation - EN - PPWR
• EU Commission Webinar